Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman and the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Paul Coghlan, who was in attendance earlier, for their kind words. I am grateful for and appreciate all of the contributions made by Senators here today. It is great to see their passion, energy and interest in this project.

As I outlined in my opening address, the Government will provide €15 million to support Galway as the European city of culture. I am confident that we have a strong team who will develop a strong programme for the year. The project will be an amazing opportunity for the whole of the west of Ireland. It also offers us an opportunity to celebrate what we do best and to remind ourselves of our strong connections with the whole of Europe.

Senator Davitt mentioned councillors and how city and county councillors worked together. He is not present. I welcome the idea of holding board meetings in various parts of the county and holding workshops in the regions. The initiative will ensure maximum involvement by the community. He mentioned that there are 300 documented artists in Galway, which I thought was an interesting figure. He also mentioned the Irish language, which is important.

Senator Billy Lawless said he is a native of Galway and, therefore, this project is close to his heart. He mentioned the ambitious project of having 400 people walk a tightrope, which is called funambulism.

Two projects will focus on migration and immigration, which are important. One of the projects is called Dul Amach, which means "go out", and the other is called Tar Isteach, which means "come in". The Galwegians will welcome visitors to the region just as they did when many towns played host to people during the Special Olympics.

The Senator mentioned the plans to reach out to the diaspora. They can enjoy the virtual European capital of culture.

The Senator mentioned the Circle of Life Commemorative Garden, which was established by the parents of Éamonn Goggin. The garden formed part of the Galway itinerary of the panel of jurors on their first visit to Galway. They assessed the bid by Galway in situ as well.

The Senator mentioned the Volvo Ocean Race. New citizens to Galway were also mentioned. We must ensure that they get involved in this celebration.

Senator O'Mahony spoke on behalf of his colleague, Senator Maura Hopkins, and talked about legacy. Galway has always been a capital of culture and the legacy conference will take place in 2018. A group of 64 leaders will come together to determine the focus of the legacy of Galway 2020 because it is important that the initiative continues after the year concludes. As someone alluded to earlier, we do not want it to be just a moment in time. We must capture and harness the energy and passion generated by the project and deliver that into the future. In this way the programme will remain on track. I am sure that the programme will inspire people to love where they live and live where they love will become a reality.

I noted the GAA background of Senator O'Mahony. I like the fact that he mentioned the symbolism of Galway in terms of Brexit. He made the important point that we should heal divisions and make sure that we build and strengthen the relationship between Ireland and the UK.

Senator Gavan mentioned that Limerick has been the national capital of culture. The scheme compares very favourably with the European capital of culture. Galway 2020 has decided to publish its material in Irish and English in order to be inclusive as a bilingual city and to support Gaillimh le Gaeilge.

The Senator mentioned the by-laws. As he will know, the local authority will take cognisance of the by-laws. I am happy that the councillors will consider the matter as well. There is a balance to be struck between street performance and protecting people from anti-social behaviour and excessive noise. I am sure that the councillors will work on the matter and will consider blueprints used by other European cities.

I thank Senator Higgins for her contribution. Galway has nine strategic partnerships with neighbouring counties, including Dublin, as a national gateway. There is engagement with young people and people with special needs. I do not think that I mentioned elderly people in my speech but they are important too. In one particular area of Galway lacemaking was very popular. I would like to see such heritage celebrated as part of the programme. Galway 2020 is not just specifically for the young. We will provide for the next wave of the Druid Theatre Company, Macnas, Galway International Festival, and Baboró, the international arts festival for children.

Senator Higgins suggested that real artists should be part of the board. Leon Butler and Christopher Greene are on the board. They represent the digital sector, youth and artists, together with John Crumlish from the Galway International Arts Festival. The members of the board will go to local authorities and will speak to local artists. Galway 2020 is very much about listening to artists and does not exclude anybody. The programme aims to bring everybody on board and will offer artists the opportunity to showcase their work and performances.

The initiative called Small Towns, Big Ideas will be launched on 29 January. I liked the language used by the Senator, particularly when she said: "This is a moment for sea change" and "the spirit of participation". She also mentioned the Inish festival and she was right to highlight that festival.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned that Cork was the European city of culture 2005, which was a great success. Ms Mary McCarthy is chair of Culture Ireland but she was the deputy director of Cork 2005. She had made herself available to assist with the current bid. All of that experience will be linked with Galway 2020 in ensure that all of the positive aspects are put forward.

I am very happy that Professor Declan McGonagle will represent my Department and that Ms Aideen McGinley will chair the board. Both of them have experience of the European capital of culture scheme. Galway 2020 will also see an increase in the number of conferences being held.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke during the debate. Many years ago I attended the Irish colleges of Coláiste Chiaráin and Coláiste Columba in County Galway. I shall not speak here in Irish but I can confirm that I enjoyed the time I spent there learning Irish. I appreciate the fact he addresses the House in Irish as it is important to do so. Most of the Senators have alluded to the importance of the Irish language, landscape and emigration. Those are the main three themes of Galway 2020. It is important that we ensure the Irish language plays an important role because it is integral to who we are. I take note of what the Senators have said.

The figures are in the public domain. Each project has been costed. The Melissa McCrory prize is awarded in line with EU regulations and ongoing monitoring ensures that it meets same. There are also regular meetings with the CEO of the commission.

I am aware of the interview with Mr. Chris Baldwin who was newly appointed creative director. His role is to programme the European capital of culture. He was appointed following a vigorous interview process. He has experience of running large events. I welcome all of the questions and I am happy to work with the board on same.

Senator Norris is not here but he mentioned food. I enjoy Galway oysters but not everybody does and they should be very much included in Galway 2020. A project called Edible Towns and Villages will undertake to turn towns into edible landscapes in partnership with the organisation called European Region of Gastronomy. It is planned to have community gardens and plant fruit trees in schools. Senator Norris is quite right about all of that.

The Senator mentioned literature. Social isolation will be addressed in both the Tar Isteach and Dul Amach projects. The Sea Tamagotchi is a project that will collect the words of coastal communities and words of minority languages, including Connemara in Ireland, Galicia in the Basque country and the Sami territories in Norway.

Senator Maria Byrne is not present but I thank her for mentioning Limerick. I can confirm that Limerick had 156 projects and 1,630 performances. The cultural programme supported 2,400 artists from Limerick and 1,060 artists from outside of Limerick city. Of course, Limerick was a national city of culture too. All of those experiences will be brought forward into Galway 2020.

I thank Senator Boyhan for his comments. I note what he said about multiculturalism. I very much agree with him that we must celebrate our diversity in terms of the community of Galway and the west of Ireland and Europe.UNESCO was also mentioned, which is part of the Government programme. I would be delighted to come back at some stage over the next few months and update the Members on my Department in line with our proposals in the Programme for a Partnership Government, which I helped to negotiate. It was nearly two years ago. I will be delighted to come back and update Members on progress.

I thank Senator Conway for his comments. Heritage is very important. It benefits the regions. Strategic partnership will be key to spreading the benefit of Galway 2020 to all counties west of the Shannon. I note his comments relating to Clare. It is important that all contributions are taken in across Ireland. One thing that Galway 2020 does not want to do, and the same with any other county hosting something like this, is to exclude other counties. I refer to the wisdom, knowledge and experience that they have in relation to this. We will be bringing that onboard.

I thank the Acting Chairman for having me here today. If anybody needs to speak to me, or my Department, at any stage, please feel free to do so.